Churchill Downs said on 29 July that it was conducting a strategic review of its regional casinos, including a possible sale, in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The company said the review does not guarantee a transaction and gave no timetable; it did not identify potential buyers.
A possible sale could change ownership of Churchill Downs’ regional casino assets, although no transaction is assured.
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
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Churchill Downs authorised a new US$750 million share repurchase programme, replacing its earlier US$500 million authorisation; US$306 million remained under that plan as of 27 October 2026. VICI Properties authorised a programme to repurchase up to US$2.0 billion of its common shares, which runs until 30 September 2029, according to company statements.
Analysts discussed Churchill Downs, Boyd Gaming and wider gaming-sector prospects in notes dated 20, 23 and 25 October. David Katz estimated Churchill Downs’ Visa sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby at $3m-$8m, while David Bain said he expected Boyd Gaming’s company-wide EBITDA to be flat year on year in Q4 2026.
Beverage billionaire and racehorse owner Mike Repole acquired a 1.5% holding in Churchill Downs. The report said Churchill Downs shares had fallen 35% since the start of the year.
Mike Repole, a beverage billionaire and racehorse owner, has acquired close to a 1.5% stake in Churchill Downs, the company said in a post by Repole on X. Repole wrote that he had bought 1 million shares over the past four days and might acquire more. The holding was reported on 8 October.
Churchill Downs is assessing offers for nine casinos across eight US states. Chief executive Bill Carstanjen said in a September interview that strategic priorities drove the proposed disposals, while the properties continued to perform well. Sale proceeds are expected to reduce debt, although the company has warned that it may not complete every disposal.
Revenue from historical horse racing machines in Kentucky rose 4.1% in September. Same-store growth was 2.6%, excluding the newer Marshall Yards casino, and overall gross reached $95m. Marshall Yards generated $1.4m, while Derby City remained the highest-grossing casino at $18.3m despite a 3.1% decline.
Kentucky's HHR machines brought in 4.1% more in September. Leaving out Marshall Yards, the comparatively new casino, the same-store gain was 2.6%. Gross receipts totaled $95m.